Chang'e 7
Chang'e 7 is a planned multi-spacecraft mission targeting the illuminated rim of Shackleton Crater at the lunar south pole. The architecture comprises an orbiter, a precision lander, a rover, and an innovative rocket-propelled 'mini-flying probe' (hopping drone) designed to enter and sample permanently shadowed crater interiors. The mission aims to confirm and characterize water ice deposits in 'cold traps', and to evaluate the region as a candidate site for China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). Chang'e 7 represents China's first landing attempt outside mid-latitude regions and will employ AI-based landmark image navigation for precision landing to within 100 metres.
Mission Imagery & Gallery
Primary Achievement
Planned: Characterize water ice in permanently shadowed regions near the lunar south pole
Mission Objectives
- Land near Shackleton Crater rim at lunar south pole
- Deploy hopping mini-probe to explore permanently shadowed regions
- Detect and characterize water ice deposits in cold traps
- Deploy rover for extended surface exploration
- Scout candidate sites for International Lunar Research Station (ILRS)
Timeline Events
- 2026-08 — Target launch window — Long March 5 from Wenchang (tentative)
- TBD — Lunar orbit insertion
- TBD — Precision landing near Shackleton Crater rim
- TBD — Mini-flying probe deployed into permanently shadowed region
Related Missions
- Chang'e 6 (2024) · China
- IM-2 Athena (2025) · Intuitive Machines
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023) · India
Historical & Technical Sources
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